"Watching her work is so extraordinary. She’s so in-it and detailed and dexterous - it’s like a masterclass watching her work."
Those are Zoe Terakes' words assessing Nicole Kidman's work on 'Nine Perfect Strangers'. The show is enjoying major success at the moment, with the likes of Kidman and Melissa McCarthy leading the way.
As it turns out, not only does the cast have chemistry on-screen but it also spirals off the set as well.
We'll take a look at what things are like behind the scenes, and which star was actually terrified to meet Nicole on the first day of shooting.
In addition, we'll discuss what Kidman is really like behind the scenes on the show. Of course, working with her is not only inspirational but according to a certain cast member, also very easy.
The Show Was Written For Kidman
At the age of 54, Nicole Kidman continues to challenge herself with compelling roles. Without a doubt, her part as Masha in 'Nine Perfect Strangers' is very out there and unlike anything we've ever seen before. In truth, the character was made for her, according to USA Today, Liane Moriarty, who wrote the book 'Lies' which the show is based on, wrote up the Masha character with Kidman in mind. Nicole admits, she wasn't sure if she should be flattered or offended.
"When she was writing the novel, she said, 'I'm writing a character for you called Masha,'" recalls Kidman, 54, who bought the TV rights before it was even finished. "And then I read it and was like, 'This Masha character, should I be offended or flattered?'"
Slowly but surely, Kidman played a crucial part in the creation of the cast. The likes of Melissa McCarthy admitted when Kidman comes calling, you always have to listen.
"What maniac is going to say no to Nicole Kidman saying, 'Will you read this (novel) and see if you like it?'" McCarthy says. "It could be like, 'I've done some drawings in a dirty sketchbook,' and I'd be like, 'I'd love to!'"
The show is enjoying some great success at the moment. However, as it turns out, some of the cast was a little more nervous than others to get started on the project.
Zoe Terakes Was Terrified To Meet Kidman And The Cast
For Zoe Terakes, she knew from the very start that the show was going to be something special. However, just prior to the first day, the nerves started to kick in, especially given the cast of all-stars.
Zoe was terrified of meeting her peers, "Some of my favorite actors are in that cast and I didn’t quite know what to do with myself," they admit. It felt like the night before Christmas on the night before – I was in this hotel room and I was like ‘Oh my god!’"
Ultimately, the show was shipped off to Australia, making the experience that much more memorable. Alongside Who, Zoe revealed that everything turned out to be great on-set, she was blown away by how humble everyone was.
"Everybody treated each other really equally which is amazing because they’re such stars but none of them ever made you feel like you were talking to a star. After a while we all kind of realized how weird everyone was – it was such a beautiful pack of weirdos and I think everyone really complemented each other. It became a bit like a family quite quickly, we all hung out all the time on weekends, it was really nice."
Kidman Is Serious Yet Playful On The Set
"Nicole and Melissa... none of them are big ego-y actors. They make you feel part of the team. You forget after a while [who they are]."
Terakes revealed that it was an easy-going atmosphere while shooting for the show.
Kidman took her role very seriously, however, keeping her accent even when she went home. However, when it came to staying in character, unlike some of her past iconic roles, she was able to break it off and be her normal self when the shooting came to an end.
In addition, she wasn't afraid to let loose and have fun on the set. We saw McCarthy and Kidman put their characters aside and enjoy a laugh together thanks to a behind-the-scenes moment posted by Melissa.
The chemistry between the cast seems undeniable and it has resulted in a show that fans are talking about and enjoying.